Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist on Friday announced a program to help businesses with fewer than 500 employees retain workers during the coronavirus outbreak.
The loans are designed so that if businesses primarily put the money towards payroll, rent, or utilities, they will be completely forgiven.
The program is funded through the coronavirus CARES act which recently passed through congress.
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist said the program is aimed at keeping employers, and their staff, afloat.
“Making sure they have the ability to retain their people and also to be able to have loans to open up that they will not have to pay back if they retain their people.”
Self employed, freelance and gig workers are also eligible to apply.
A spokesperson for the Michigan Association Certified Public Accountants recommended businesses apply early - the national program is capped at 349 billion dollars.
The state is also directing people to utilize its new website aimed at recruiting residents to help in the fight against the coronavirus.
The website offers safe places for people to offer donations and for medical and public health professionals to volunteer.
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist said the site will streamline volunteer efforts.
“This is a way for people to safely support, donate funds and resources, but also safely volunteer to be part of this effort.”
The website also includes information about where people can go to donate blood, help out with the upcoming election, or request meals for the elderly.